Overview
High school graduates willing to challenge themselves to learn English to succeed in an academically rigorous English-medium university will find a home in PMU’s Preparatory Program or, as our students like to call it, “Prep.” Far more than just a language course, the Program propels students to university success. Prep students gain a solid foundation in the good habits and growth mindset of high-achievers at the same time as they acquire essential skills in English and Mathematics.
Students who need to enhance their mastery of English based on the admissions’ placement test have a unique opportunity to spend 1-4 semesters, 22-29 hours a week, on English, study skills, and Mathematics. All courses are taught in English by qualified English-speaking instructors committed to facilitating communicative, student-centered learning. English and mathematics classes range from learning the basics to applying higher-order thinking skills. In PMU’s classrooms, students use English to analyze and propose solutions to real problems. Prep classrooms are incubators for developing the higher-order thinking skills crucial to success in college course work, careers, and community service. Learning in the classroom happens through a variety of group projects, analyses, discussions, and activities using the best of traditional and internet-enhanced teaching and learning methods. Outside of class, students may further practice English, teamwork, and leadership skills by participating in activities, clubs, and sports.
While as a pre-requisite to university studies, the intensive program carries no academic credit; it provides the foundation for students’ ultimate achievement of the eight PMU core competencies in communication, technical competence, critical thinking and problem solving, professional competence, leadership, teamwork, global connectedness, and conflict resolution.
PMU brings the world into its classrooms and hallways. In addition to studying English by examining global issues with instructors from all over the world and practicing English in daily authentic interactions with faculty and staff, some students participate in international projects online. Additionally, selected intermediate and advanced students spend a semester at an American college courtesy of PMU’s Study Abroad Program. There, they take courses carefully coordinated to match the content of their PMU courses while gaining experience of another culture.
PMU Preparatory Program students are provided with the supportive learning environment they need to grow into university graduates who are life-long learners able to function and adapt in an ever-changing, technologically interconnected, global community.
By studying on the same campus with students who have matriculated into the university, Prep students are motivated to work hard to join them. They have the advantage of networking with PMU students and alumni and emulating their success.
Gateway to College
From the Preparatory Program, successful students enter degree studies in one of the five colleges at PMU: Architecture and Design, Business Administration, Computer Engineering and Science, Engineering, and Law.